Anyone grow Cytisus?
Through Googling I now know that they are deciduous but what I'm trying to find out is if their stems remain green through the winter like the stems of winter jasmine do?
Anyone know?
Hello Two Spot. Haven't got one now but I seem to remember that the young shoots stay greenish but the older wood is definately brown so the outside tends to stay green. Is that any help?
Yes, I'd agree with that. One thing to be aware of is that some of the prettiest colours can be quite short-lived, or they were with me.
Thanks Beejay and Rosa.
Beejay, that's exactly what I wanted to know ;D as with Winter Jasmine, I should be able to prune out some of the old wood to make the most of the newer green. Thanks.
Rosa, it's veeeeeeeery pretty. It's Cytisus Scoparius 'Lena', not seen it in flower yet but found a good piccie here:
http://www.pinus.net.pl/opis.php?id=644
Hope it's not short-lived :(
Well, according to that link it grows to 1.3 metres, flowers late May to early June, likes acid soil, well-drained, not too rich, and a warm position. Apparently benefits from some protection for the crown in winter, but Polish winters are a lot colder than English. No mention of its longevity, though - and it certainly is pretty ;D
Two Spot, just be careful 'cos I think they don't shoot from old wood & in general are regarded as fairly short lived, or at least you reckon on replacing when they get leggy. Fantastic colour - makes me think I'd like another one!
Every broom I've ever planted has been short lived, maybe 5 yrs at best. I keep buying new ones 'cos OH once said he really liked them but it's quite hard seeking out good colours and I don't like the basic acid yellow form. When I planted the last one a couple of autumns ago - lovely burgundy and cream - I told him it was the last and when it keels over, no replacements. That's OK he said. Not fussed about them. Doh!!
I've got some in my hedge; they're short-lived and need ruthless cutting back after flowering to stop them getting leggy. I take the shears to them.
Done a bit more Googling, definately short-lived, 5 years :(
One American site has it as Hardy down to -23.5CÂ :o
Obbelix, that's the sort of thing my BF would do, say he really likes something then say he wasn't that fussed when it can't be replaced anymore ::)
Robert, I will try cutting it back hard and see how it goes, going to try some cuttings too.
Hi TL - we get down to -15 every winter and last winter had about three weeks of snow and -20 in late Feb early March and the broom survived in tact. OH currently has a pash for cosmos so I treated him to some last spring. They've done very well and he's been dead-heading regularly but they cost a lot and I'd rather spend it on interesting, hardy perennials. I've told him if he wants more next year he has to buy me a greenhouse so I can raise them from seed. I can dream.
Hi Obbelix, make that greenhouse top of your list for christmas ;D
It is and has been for ages. OH can be a bit impervious to suggestion/hints/lists.........
I'm very tempted to make an executive decision and just order one - maybe swap it for a holiday.
Do it Obbelix, take the bull by the horns!!!!
Ho - ho! Our dear neighbour doesn't have horns to take! I might go and ask him what he thinks though, just to be friendly.